Chapter 2 - THE WOMAN WHO OWNED THE HOUSE
Richard reached for the document.
I moved it away.
“Copies,” I said. “Your attorneys can request them through Nathan.”
Vincent looked between us.
“What are you talking about?”
I turned toward him.
“Before my father died, he owned several commercial properties through Bennett Family Holdings.”
Vincent frowned.
“I know.”
“Apparently not all of them.”
Richard's expression hardened.
“Claire, this isn't the place.”
I smiled.
“Funny. You were perfectly comfortable discussing my behavior here.”
Sophia shifted on the sofa.
I continued.
“The Moretti Innovation Center sits on land my father acquired eighteen years ago.”
Vincent stared.
“The company owns that building.”
“The building, yes.”
I looked at Richard.
“Not the land.”
Silence.
I continued.
“Your company has been leasing it through a holding company. The original agreement includes a renewal provision that requires the landowner's approval.”
Richard stood.
“Your father assured me—”
“My father died two years ago.”
His face tightened.
“And the property transferred to me under his estate plan.”
Vincent stared.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
I looked at him.
“Would you have listened?”
He opened his mouth.
Then closed it.
I stood.
“I'm not here to threaten anyone.”
Richard laughed harshly.
“That's exactly what you're doing.”
“No.”
I picked up my handbag.
“I'm informing you that my attorney will handle the property negotiations separately from the divorce.”
Vincent stepped toward me.
“Claire.”
I stopped.
He looked suddenly uncertain.
“Can we talk?”
I glanced at Sophia.
“Privately?”
He nodded.
I smiled sadly.
“Three years too late.”
Then I walked out.
Outside, Nathan waited beside his car.
He looked at my face.
“How bad?”
I exhaled.
“Worse than expected.”
He opened the passenger door.
“Did they agree to the divorce?”
I laughed.
“Not exactly.”
Nathan smiled faintly.
“Then we'll proceed properly.”
I looked back at the Moretti estate.
For three years, I'd entered that house trying to earn a place in the family.
May you like
Now I was leaving without asking permission.
And it felt extraordinary.
